Dr. Bruce Budowle received a PhD in Genetics in 1979 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. From 1979-1982, Dr. Budowle was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Working under a National Cancer Institute fellowship, he carried out research predominately on genetic risk factors for diseases such as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, melanoma, and acute lymphocytic leukemia.
From 1983-2009, Dr. Budowle worked at the FBI’s Laboratory Division to carry out research, development, and validation of methods for forensic biological analyses. Dr. Budowle has contributed to the fundamental sciences as they apply to forensic genetics/genomics in analytical development, population genetics, statistical interpretation of evidence, and in quality assurance. Dr. Budowle has worked on laying some of the foundations for the current statistical analyses in forensic genetics and defining the genetic parameters of relevant population groups. He has published more than 750 articles, made more than 880 presentations (many of which were as an invited speaker at national and international meetings), and testified in well over 300 criminal cases in the areas of molecular biology, population genetics, statistics, quality assurance, forensic biology and massively parallel sequencing. In addition, he has authored or co-authored books on molecular biology techniques, electrophoresis, protein detection, forensic genetics, and microbial forensics.
Dr. Budowle has been directly involved in developing quality assurance (QA) standards for the forensic DNA field. He has been a chair and member of the Scientific Working Group on DNA Methods, Chair of the DNA Commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics, and a member of the DNA Advisory Board. He was one of the original architects of the CODIS National DNA database, which maintains DNA profiles from convicted felons, from evidence in unsolved cases, and from missing persons. Dr. Budowle's efforts over the past two decades also have focused on counter-terrorism specifically efforts involving microbial forensics and bioterrorism. Dr. Budowle was involved directly in the scientific aspects of the anthrax letters investigation. He was one of the architects of the field of microbial forensics. He has been the chair of the Scientific Working Group on Microbial Genetics and Forensics (hosted by the FBI), whose mission was to set QA guidelines, develop criteria for biologic and user databases, set criteria for a National Repository, and developed forensic genomic applications.
Dr. Budowle recently retired after 13 years as Director of the Center for Human Identification and Regents Professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Texas where his efforts focused on the areas of human forensic identification, microbial forensics, and emerging infectious disease with substantial emphasis in genomics and next generation sequencing. He has been a Commissioner on the Texas Forensic Science Commission, a member or the Texas Governor's Sexual Assault Survivor's Task Force. He continues to research and work in the areas of forensic genomics and contributes to supporting humanitarian efforts via human identification.
Pre-Conference Session: Dr Bruce Budowle
Title: Current and the Latest Technology Advances Can Support Asia’s Humanitarian Efforts
Abstract:
Forensic DNA analyses can have significant impact in humanitarian efforts around the world. The discipline plays a crucial role in identifying unknown persons from disaster victims, combatting human trafficking especially regarding sexual exploitation, better managing migration at the borders, and most importantly can reduce trauma and uncertainty while bringing resolution to victims, survivors, families, and communities. The utilization of DNA technology has become an essential part of humanitarian efforts due to scientific advancements and its effectiveness in identifying human remains with unprecedented accuracy in an expeditious manner, even with highly degraded samples.
However, challenges exist for such technology to become mainstay of the forensic science toolbox. Issues encountered include the need for specialized expertise, ethical considerations regarding privacy and vulnerable population, potential conflicts with socio-political and cultural norms, and secondary sample use. Despite these complexities, DNA collection, analyses, and DNA databases today are cornerstones in humanitarian efforts.
Dr Budowle will present on current and the latest advances in forensic DNA technologies and methods as well as field use cases. He will demonstrate how Asian countries can apply these capabilities to address their humanitarian challenges while addressing limited resources.
Keynote Session: Dr Bruce Budowle
Title: The Value of DNA Databases and Necessary Support of Legislation
Abstract: A number of Asian countries have made great strides in developing policies and enacting laws to create or expand, as well as maintain and operate, offender DNA databases. Although some governments have shown foresight by enabling their law enforcement and humanitarian agencies with this powerful tool, other governments have yet to fully embrace and realize the full potential of Forensic DNA technology and DNA databases in terms of the overwhelming socio-economic benefits that can be enjoyed.
It is well established that all activities associated with the establishment, maintenance and operation of a DNA database(s) are grounded in good legislation and policies. Depending on a country’s system of government and existing laws, a new law or amendments may be needed to existing regulations to enable relevant agencies to collect, analyze and associate DNA profiles in the most effective way while balancing ethical, privacy needs with effective safety and security measures.
It is important to consider what outcomes the country is trying to achieve in areas of criminal justice and/or humanitarian identification; what types of DNA profiles will be included in the database(s); how the information contained in the database(s) will be used and by whom; mechanisms for appropriate data sharing, and processes for communicating the practices and policies.
Well formulated laws and rules should govern the collection and use of DNA profiles in the DNA database, provide guidance on the legal definitions (e.g., crime scene, suspect, serious offender, arrestee, family reference samples, unknown remains, antemortem samples), procedures for collection of samples, the retention/destruction requirements for DNA profiles and stored samples, and the security of information in the database. Laws and policies should define what types of searches are permissible (e.g., family reference samples cannot be searched against the crime scene DNA files in a database, but unknown human remains could be search offender reference profiles).
Dr Budowle will present on important considerations when enhancing national DNA database capabilities. He also will show legislative progress that the region has made and how decision makers can continue to learn from global best practices to create effective forensic DNA programs while ensuring sustained funding for continued operation and future growth.
